Chuvasz

The Chuvasz is a mix between a Kuvasz and Chow Chow. This breed is independent, reserved, and protective. With the right socialization, however, Chuvaszes can be a loyal – yet stubborn – family pet. As such, early training is particularly important for Chuvaszes. This breed is relatively mellow, but still requires moderate exercise to stay healthy. They have an average life span of 8 to 12 years, weight of 60 to 90 pounds, and height of 21 to 25 inches. Chuvaszes come in many color variations including white, black, blue, cinnamon, cream, red. The exact date of this breed’s origin is unknown. Because Chuvaszes are relatively new, they are currently unable to join the American Kennel Club roster.

Purpose

Companionship

Date of Origin

Unknown

Ancestry

Chow Chow, Kuvasz

Chuvasz Health

Average Size

Height: 22-25 inchesWeight: 70-90 lbs

Height: 21-24 inchesWeight: 60-80 lbs

Major Concerns

Skeletal/Joint Conditions

Eye Conditions

Minor Concerns

Respiratory Problems

Skeletal/Joint Conditions

Digestive

Eye Conditions

Occasional Diagnoses

Persistent Pupillary Membranes (PPM)

Distichiasis

Elongated Soft Palate

Stenotic Nares

Hip Dysplasia

Gastric Torsion

Cataracts

Patellar Luxation

Elbow Dysplasia

Entropion

Occasional Tests

Electrocardiogram

Internal Imaging (x-ray, CT scan, MRI, etc.)

Blood And Urine Analysis

Ophthalmologic Examination

Radiography

Orthopedic Exam

Chuvasz Breed History

The name Chuvasz is a combination of the names of its two parent breeds: Chow Chow and Kuvasz. The Chow Chow originated in China and has a long and debated history. Nonetheless, the American Kennel Club asserts that the Chow Chow is a 2,000-year-old – maybe older – breed. A popular theory is that Chow Chows originated in Siberia by crossing Tibetan Mastiffs and Samoyeds. Regardless, Chow Chows were employed as temple guards and hunting companions throughout the history of China. The breed was also – sadly – used for food and clothing at times. Chows Chows were imported to Europe, particularly England, starting in the 1880s and became popular when Queen Victoria took an interest in the breed. The breed was shown for the first time in the United States in 1890, and its recognition from the AKC followed shortly after in 1903. The Chuvasz’s other parent breed, the Kuvasz, is also thought to have originated in Tibet. However, the breed migrated across Asia and Europe, possibly with refugees from the Mongol invasions around 1200 C.E., to Hungary where it was developed into the dog we know today. In Hungary, Kuvaszs were used as hunting, herding, and guard dogs because of their large size. In fact, its name is derived from the Turkish word “kuwasz”, meaning "protector”. Kuvaszs became a favorite breed for the royal and elite classes in Hungary in the 15th century and its popularity grew across Europe after that. Sadly, it declined in popularity dramatically in the 20th century – almost to the point of extinction. Determined breeders worked to revive the Kuvasz population in the early 1900s, and the AKC recognized the breed in 1935. The combination of these two breeds has only recently been recognized widely. However, given the parent breeds’ long history, Chuvaszs may have been bred haphazardly over time.

Chuvasz Breed Appearance

A Chuvasz is a large dog that looks like a stockier Kuvasz with some Chow Chow facial features. The average weight is 70 to 90 pounds and the average height is 21 to 25 inches tall. Their medium length, soft, and thick coat is double-coated and comes in a variety of colors including white, black, blue, cinnamon, cream, and red. Chuvaszes also have soft, wooly undercoats. The breed is sturdy and muscular and its build falls somewhere in between the Chow Chow’s square build and the Kuvasz’s extended torso. It has a large head and the muzzle is slightly shorter than that of a purebred Kuvasz. Chuvaszes that take after their Chow Chow parent may have some wrinkles and furrow to their brows. Chuvaszes has small pendant ears, short to medium length feathered tails, and round, compact, and well cushioned feet.

Eye Color Possibilities

Brown

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

White

Black

Blue

Cream

Red

Coat Length

ShortMediumLong

Coat Density

SparseNormalDense

Coat Texture

StraightWiryWavyCurlyCorded

Chuvasz Breed Maintenance

Chuvaszes are not hypoallergenic, and thus are not suitable for dog owners with allergies. They shed considerably, but daily brushing will reduce shedding, prevent matting, as well as make the coats softer and cleaner. Chuvaszes should be bathed monthly and owners should give special attention to cleaning any skin folds they have around the face or brow area to avoid infection. If the coat is longer around the eyes and feet, clipping is recommended. Like all dog breeds, Chuvaszes should have their teeth brushed on a daily basis and nails clipped once or twice a month to avoid breaks or cracks in the nail.

Brushes for Chuvasz

Pin Brush

Slicker Brush

Clipper

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

DailyWeeklyMonthly

Chuvasz Temperament

Chuvaszes are stoic and intelligent dogs. They are not overly attentive or playful with people, but they can be fiercely loyal to their owners, as well as sweet and patient with other family members. Though Chuvaszes like affection, they will not always reciprocate. Chuvaszes are generally suspicious of strangers and can even be aggressive with other dogs. Because of this, it’s important to supervise Chuvaszes when they meet other animals and strangers. Along the same lines, Chuvaszes get along better with adults and older children. Additionally, this breed’s intelligence makes it stubborn and relatively difficult to train. Owners can combat this undesirable trait with early and diligent obedience training. Chuvaszes will bark occasionally, but are known for being on the quiet side in general. Overall, this breed is a modern-day guard dog – it is low-key and aloof when at rest, but fierce and aggressive when alarmed.

Chuvasz Activity Requirements

Chuvaszes are somewhat active and require consistent – though moderate – exercise, especially since the breed has high potential for weight gain. A daily walk and/or play session with owners or other dogs (if the Chuvasz is friendly with other animals) will suffice. Their modest exercise requirements make them suitable for any type of environment – urban, suburban, or rural. Recall that Chuvaszes has a thick double-coats. As such, they prefer being outside in cool climates and should never be exercised in hot temperatures. This breed is relatively mellow, so they will enjoy being around family members inside the home as much as they will be roaming outside.